Car Inspection Requirements By State:A Compendium

Are you a car owner wondering which states require car inspection stickers or how often they expire? Have you ever asked yourself, "Can I get my car inspected in another state?" or "Where can I get a car inspection near me that's approved across borders?" You wouldn't be alone.

Unfortunately, the United States doesn't have a simple, functional, or elegant federal system for vehicle inspections. Inspections are done at a state level and some have really intense state inspection requirements, demanding a multi-point process to test car safety and ensure their roads and highways stay clear. Others require testing to ensure that vehicle emissions aren't polluting their cities and towns. Some states may require both. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are states without vehicle inspection regulations at all! Each state also has their own frequency in which drivers need their vehicle inspected.

If you're scrambling to answer the question of "What are my state's requirements and where can I get a car state inspection near me?", use our list of state vehicle inspection requirements to figure out if you need an inspection, what it entails, how often they're needed, and where you can get them.

Arkansas

California

California's smog check program depends on the area you live in.Enter your ZIP code to see if it's required.

The smog check is required for all out-of-state vehicles, even if your previous state of residence also required emissions inspection.

A biennial emissions test is not required for the following: hybrids, electric vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, natural-gas-powered vehicles heavier than 14,000 pounds, diesel-powered vehicles made before 1997, any vehicle made in or prior to 1975, or any vehicle less than six years old.

A VIN inspection is required when registering a vehicle from out of state.

Colorado

The state car inspections for smog are only required for the following counties: Boulder, Denver, Broomfield, Douglas, and Jefferson, as well as parts of Adams, Larimer, Weld, and Arapahoe counties. See the map.

Inspections are not required for the following: newer cars (cars 7 years or older must be inspected), all-electric vehicles, farm vehicles, motorcycles, or "collector vehicles" (1975 model year or older).

Delaware

Cars five years old or newer are exempt from all testing.

Safety requirements are detailed, including everything from whether the hood latches function to whether the headlights are pointed properly, to whether the vehicle has air scoops mounted that are higher than three inches.

Cars models 1967 or older don't need an emissions test.

The age of the vehicle determines the type of emissions check done; the idle, two-speed, and on-board diagnostics test are used.

Idaho

Illinois

The testing that happens every two years only applies to vehicles in specific zip codes, including Chicago and St. Louis metro areas.

Cars four years or newer, cars from 1967 or earlier, motorcycles, diesel-powered or all-electric vehicles, and cars that are exclusively for parades, shows, sports, or races are all exempt. There are also special rules about custom vehicles and "street rods."

If the VIN number is bad or the car is considered to be too unsafe to conduct the emissions testing, it will be rejected.

Maryland

A safety inspection is required only prior to a sale or transfer of vehicle ownership.
Emissions testing is required in 13 counties, including Baltimore metro areas. See if you need emissions testing.

Within those counties, you're exempt from emissions testing if you have a vehicle that is a make of 1976 or older, all-electric or diesel-powered, a farm vehicle, a motorcycle, a historic vehicle, or any of these other exemptions.

New Jersey

This state once required safety inspections for all vehicles, but, as of August 2010, they are only required for commercial vehicles, including taxis and buses. Commercial vehicles must also have annual emissions inspections.

Emissions tests are required of all vehicles every two years, with the exception of newer cars (the first five model years).

Motorcycles, farm vehicles, collector and historic vehicles, trailers, mopeds, and certain diesel vehicles based on size and model year are exempt.

New York

Nicknamed "the nanny state," New York is one of the strictest states that require vehicle inspection. Its anti-smog program started in 1982.

What do they check in a car inspection? Luckily, both annual emissions and safety inspections are done all at once. Cars 1996 or newer need an OBDII test, and older cars get a visual check of components. There is a lengthy list of safety items to be checked.

Vehicles 26 years or older and two model years or younger do not require emissions checks.

If you're found without a valid inspection sticker, you will be fined or ticketed.

North Carolina

Cars manufactured in or earlier than 1995, diesel-powered cars, and farming vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. Also, newer cars (within three model ears) that are fewer than 70,000 miles may be exempt.

No decals or stickers are issued to verify inspection; information is stored in an electronic database.

West Virginia

Only annual safety inspections are required.

If you have an inspection sticker with any of the following states, you won't need an inspection in West Virginia until it expires: New York, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Utah, Texas, and Wyoming.